March 11, 2022 | Vol. 3 Iss. 10
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From Corrections to the Great Salt Lake, Ballard happy with session
By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com SALT LAKE CITY—The legislative session is over and Rep. Melissa Garff Ballard, R-North Salt Lake is proud of the work that was done. “Friday was a more relaxing day than two weeks ago,” said We haven’t done Ballard. “We as many bills this haven’t done year. There were as many bills about 500 total this year. There bills. The process were about 500 was a lot slower total bills. The process was a lot because we were slower because talking to exwe were talking perts across the to experts across state to get the the state to get best policy – not the best policy – just policy. Input not just policy. Input and collab- and collaboration makes a differoration makes a ence. difference.” Ballard was especially happy Rep. Melissa to see some of Garff Ballard her bills push through. “One of my bills, HB194, dealt with education in corrections,” she said. “We see a lot of homelessness and recidivism. It’s important to give inmates the opportunity for education as soon as possible before they’re released.” There’s a disparity between men and women, said Ballard. “Women should have the same opportunity for education as men. Men are taught things like welding, etc. that lead them to higher
REP. MELISSA GARFF BALLARD listens on the House floor during the 2022 Legislative Session. Ballard is proud of the work accomplished by lawmakers over 45 days.
Photo by Roger V. Tuttle
paying jobs but women are only trained in culinary arts and secretarial skills.” Inmates need career readiness before they are transferred, she said. “Then they should be allowed to continue that education by providing an iPad even if they’re
in lockdown. I have a lot of experience knowing about the challenges of recidivism and its effect in the community.” This is a group of people who need help when they get out of prison, Ballard said. “We want to provide resources
for jobs and connect them with family members and give them support rather than release them with no money and no resources. That has an impact on helping Please see LEGISLATURE: pg. 4